WORLDLY DISTRACTIONS

WORLDLY DISTRACTIONS can be defined in so many ways with one concept. We often have a destination in mind when we get in our car, and we want to get there safely. However, a lot of things compete for our attention when we are driving, including traffic signals, other vehicles, pedestrians, the radio, children in the rear, and our cell phones.

All of these elements have the potential to divert us from our goal of arriving at our destination safely. We may occasionally lose control due to these distractions and wind up on the side of the road or in an accident. Driving is hardly the only situation when distractions occur. They disrupt our spiritual lives as well as every other aspect of our existence. Our goal as Christians is to establish and maintain a close relationship with God.

But a lot of things keep us from doing it. Satan and his demons, God’s foes, put a lot of effort into diverting our attention. They will do all in their power to divert our attention from God and toward sin. They put us at risk of deviating from the straight and narrow if they can divert our attention for even a single moment.

Numerous other things, such as life’s responsibilities, toys, worries, and even joys, divert us from our spiritual journey with God. Similar to driving, we can attempt to reduce these distractions if we are aware of them in order to keep on the path of following God. Consider some of the things preventing you from concentrating on the road God wants you to take. How can you minimize them?

What are some of the risks associated with our distractions?

Matthew 14:28–31
“Lord, if it’s truly you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water,” Peter cried to him. Yes, Jesus said, “Come.” Peter then crossed the boat’s side and approached Jesus on the water. But he was frightened and started to sink when he saw the waves and the fierce wind. “Lord, save me!” he cried. Jesus reached out and took him right away. Jesus remarked, “You have so little faith.” “What made you question me?”

Luke 9:62
“Anybody who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God,” Jesus said to him.
Distractions divert our attention from Jesus. Even when we are doing amazing things, we might start to fall if we take our eyes off Jesus for even a second!

How is God able to employ distractions?

Exodus 3:1–4
One day, Moses was caring for his father-in-law, the priest of Midian Jethro, and his flock. From the midst of a thicket, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flaming fire. Moses gaped in wonder. The shrub did not burn up even though it was engulfed in flames. Moses thought to himself, “This is incredible.” “Why doesn’t that bush catch fire? I have to go see it. God called to Moses as he approached to have a closer look.
Moses was only going about his daily business as usual! God wanted Moses to start a much larger task, so he employed the burning bush, a clear diversion, to draw Moses’ attention.

Acts 9:3-5
On this mission, he was on his way to Damascus when all of a sudden, a heavenly light surrounded him. A voice called out to him as he collapsed to the ground, “Saul! Saul! You are harassing me; why? “Lord, who are you?” Saul inquired. And the voice answered, “I am the person you are persecuting, Jesus.”

God occasionally employs diversions to persuade us to focus on what he thinks is right rather than what we believe to be right. Saul, whose name was eventually changed to Paul, genuinely felt that it was okay to persecute Christians because he believed that God approved of his behavior. His life—and the lives of many others—was drastically altered by a spectacular diversion that God used to attract his attention. God may need to use greater drama to grab our attention if we are obstinate and fervent about our beliefs.

How can I handle worldly distractions?

Matthew 19:13–15
Jesus once had some parents bring their kids to him so he could touch them and say a prayer for them. However, the parents were reprimanded by the disciples for disturbing him. However, Jesus said, “Allow the kids to approach me.” Keep them going! Because people like these kids are entitled to the Kingdom of Heaven. Before he left, he blessed them and put his hands on their heads.

Mark 10:17
A man ran up to Jesus as he was leaving for Jerusalem, knelt down, and said, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus was constantly surrounded by distractions. He regarded some of them as chances to save or assist someone, though, rather than all of them as diversions. A diversion can turn into a divine chance to demonstrate God’s love and concern for someone in need. God will occasionally interrupt us for a good purpose. Don’t pass up the opportunity to concentrate on the folks God sends your way for assistance.

Acts 16:29-32
The jailer called for lights, dashed to the dungeon, and collapsed in front of Paul and Silas, shaking. Then he called them out and inquired, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Their reply was: “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” They then shared the Lord’s word with him and everyone else in his household.

Most individuals would see a jail sentence as a significant hindrance to their ability to serve God. Not Paul and Silas! Their position did not deter them from their purpose. They were conducting amazing work all over the world, but it was now constrained to a little space with a very small audience. God seems to be just happy with it. Instead of pushing aside the distraction, Paul and Silas welcomed it! Sometimes a distraction feels as confining as a jail cell. Perhaps God wants you to focus for a while on what and who is directly in front of you. Your distraction could be a call from God to minister to new people in a different location.

Romans 12:2
Instead of imitating the ways and behaviors of this world, allow God to change your thoughts and make you a different person. God’s will for you will then become clear to you, and it is good, pleasant, and perfect.

Hebrews 12:13
To help the weak and lame stay upright and grow stronger, mark out a straight route for your feet.
Certain distractions are obviously harmful to us since they divert our attention from our primary tasks. We must develop the ability to distinguish between distractions that should and shouldn’t divert our attention.

If we are the primary focus of a distraction (being tempted to do something bad), it’s probably not a good thing if you’re breaking your promise to have fun. Distractions that are primarily about helping others—such as offering an instructive moment or aiding someone in dire need—are typically beneficial. You will be less likely to be distracted by negative things if you establish clear goals for how you will serve God and run your day and then diligently pursue those goals.

Acts 6:3–4.
“Therefore, brothers, choose seven men who are wise and filled with the Spirit and who are well esteemed. We are going to assign them this duty. After that, we apostles can devote our time to prayer and word teaching.
Keep your attention on your strengths and learn to assign jobs to those who can perform them just as well as you or even better.

Psalm 119:157
Although I am persecuted and troubled by many, I have not deviated from your laws.

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Daniel 6:13
“That man Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is ignoring you and your law,” they then informed the king. He continues to offer up three daily prayers to his God.

Don’t let anything, even anything positive, divert you from what you know is right or what you should be doing.

3:13 in Philippians
No, my darling siblings, I haven’t succeeded, but I keep my attention on one thing: putting the past behind me and focusing on the future.
It can be very distracting to let your past hold you back. Concentrate your efforts on what God has done for you and what you can do, both now and in the future, for God and others.

Psalm 66:9
He is in charge of our lives, and he prevents us from stumbling.
Don’t lose sight of the Lord. We lower our defenses and allow the world to more easily divert our hearts and minds if we are not continuously focused on God. By our sin, we also give Satan an easier way to divert our attention.

Proverbs 4:12
You won’t be stopped when you stroll, and you won’t trip when you run.
Continue to seek God’s wisdom, which will enable you to distinguish between distractions and real things.

God’s promise on Distractions

Hebrews 12:13
To help the weak and lame stay upright and grow stronger, mark out a straight route for your feet.